After Miranda left, Zachary pulled up a chair beside the hospital bed.

Danielle leaned back against the bed, nervously wringing her hands together. "Zach... what did you want to say?"

Zachary looked at her, asking gently, "Are you feeling better?"

Danielle nodded. Usually, she loved Zachary's gentleness toward her. But at that moment, his tenderness felt like an invisible knife, making her heart race.

Zachary smiled. "Why were you so harsh with ...